Pained by Ken Squier losing the battle against time, Dale Earnhardt Jr pens emotional tribute to legendary commentator

In a bittersweet twist of fate, the NASCAR community is still riding high from celebrating Ken Squier’s 88th birthday. However, Ken now finds himself grappling with the heart-wrenching reality of his waning days. The somber mood is compounded by the profound realization of Squier’s monumental influence in propelling NASCAR into the national spotlight.

Dave Moody, a voice familiar to NASCAR aficionados, broke this news on Twitter. He relayed a message from Squier’s family, indicating that, tragically, the esteemed commentator is likely facing his final lap due to a severe health issue. Adding disdain to injury, Squier has also been contending with the aftermath of a minor stroke and a nasty fall that left him with a fractured pelvis. In an era where legends are often unsung, Squier’s remarkable contributions to NASCAR have not gone unnoticed. Dale Earnhardt Jr, recently took to Twitter to share a poignant tribute.

Dale Earnhardt Jr recalls his learnings and talks about the Squierisms

Squier, a visionary, played a pivotal role in NASCAR’s surge in popularity across the southeast. He saw the potential in names like Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Darrell Waltrip and knew this excitement needed a national stage. His persistence led CBS to broadcast the 1979 Daytona 500 in its entirety, a landmark event in NASCAR history. The achievement underscores why Squier’s current plight resonates so profoundly; he’s not just a broadcaster, but the architect who propelled NASCAR to its zenith.

In the nostalgic realms of NASCAR, where the roar of engines and the thrill of the race reign supreme, a poignant moment unfolds as Dale Earnhardt Jr, joins the chorus of voices bidding a solemn farewell to the legendary broadcaster Ken Squier through Twitter.

He wrote, “When I first got my job as an announcer for @NASCARonNBC I wrote down a full page of “Squierisms” that the legendary Ken Squier used during his career. I tried to use one per race during my “rookie” broadcasting season. Ken is the standard of excellence for any Nascar broadcast.”

Rewind to the days of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s youth, a time when NASCAR’s thunderous excitement was less accessible on television, compelling young fans like him to huddle around radios. It was there, in those crackling broadcasts, that the voices of Barney Hall and Ken Squier came alive, painting vivid pictures of his father’s exploits on the Motor Racing Network. These voices, especially Squier’s, left an indelible mark on Earnhardt. 

Fast forward to today, as Ken Squier, the revered voice of the sport, is in his last days. Dale Jr’s Twitter post and his words, tinged with an air of finality, reflect on the inspiration he drew from Squier in his early days at NASCAR on NBC. 

Interestingly, as NBC resumed its coverage of NASCAR and Earnhardt embarked on his sixth season behind the mic, he reiterated his deep respect for Squier. He pointed to the 1979 Daytona 500, the pinnacle of NASCAR broadcasting with Squier and David Hobbs at the helm, as his gold standard. For Earnhardt, emulating Squier’s perfect pitch of excitement is a broadcaster’s ultimate triumph.

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All these things aside, the latest update from Squier’s family casts a somber shadow, signaling the end of an era in NASCAR’s storied history.

Another update on Ken Squier’s condition

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In a recent, emotionally charged update regarding Ken Squier’s health, Dave Moody took to Twitter, delivering news that tugs at the heartstrings of the NASCAR community. “Latest update from the Squier Family: Ken is now in hospice care, with plans to move him from hospital to home tomorrow, where he will spend whatever time remains. Thanks so much for the many prayers being offered up.”

Squier, a titan in the world of sports broadcasting, bid farewell to his full-time television career back in July 2014 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. But as the reality of his situation sinks in, it feels like the time has come for the NASCAR community to prepare for a final farewell to a true legend.

 Read More: “No It Can’t Be”—Heartbroken Fans in Disbelief After Knowing Beloved 88-YO Ken Squier’s Failing Health

The team at Essentially Sports extends heartfelt wishes of support and strength to Squier’s family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging time. We invite the NASCAR community to share their respects and final adieu in the comments, a small gesture to honor a man who gave so much to the world of motorsport.